IDEAL Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

ideal

[ahy-dee-uhl, ahy-deel]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a conception of something in its perfection.
Synonyms:
a standard of perfection or excellence.
Synonyms:
a person or thing conceived as embodying such a conception or conforming to such a standard, and taken as a model for imitation.
Thomas Jefferson was his ideal.
an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character.
He refuses to compromise any of his ideals.
Synonyms: ,
something that exists only in the imagination.
To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.
Mathematics.��a subring of a ring, any element of which when multiplied by any element of the ring results in an element of the subring.

adjective

conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence.
ideal beauty.
Synonyms: , ,
regarded as perfect of its kind.
an ideal spot for a home.
existing only in the imagination; not real or actual.
Nature is real; beauty is ideal.
Synonyms: , , ,
advantageous; excellent; best.
It would be ideal if she could accompany us as she knows the way.
based upon an ideal or ideals.
the ideal theory of numbers.
Philosophy.��
1. pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable.
2. pertaining to or of the nature of idealism.

ideal

/ aɪˈdɪəl, ˌaɪdɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain
a person or thing considered to represent perfection
he's her ideal
something existing only as an idea
a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviour

adjective

conforming to an ideal
of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea
philosophy
1. of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs
2. of or relating to idealism

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

idealness noun
quasi-ideal adjective
quasi-ideally adverb
subideal adjective
superideal adjective
superideally adverb
unideal adjective
��ˈ��𲹱�� adverb
ideality noun
��ˈ��𲹱��Ա�� noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of ideal¹

From the Late Latin word ��, dating back to 1605–15. See idea, -al ¹

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Synonym Study

Ideal, example, model refer to something considered as a standard to strive toward or something considered worthy of imitation. An ideal is a concept or standard of perfection, existing merely as an image in the mind, or based upon a person or upon conduct: We admire the high ideals of a religious person. Sir Philip Sidney was considered the ideal in gentlemanly conduct. An example is a person or the conduct or achievements of a person regarded as worthy of being followed or imitated in a general way; or sometimes, as properly to be avoided: an example of courage; a bad example to one's children. A model is primarily a physical shape to be closely copied, but is also a pattern for exact imitation in conduct or character: They took their leader as a model.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For those wanting to understand the forces at play over the next month of competition in the US, Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday would be an ideal place to start.

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This year the warm weather in the UK, plus last year's too, means conditions have been ideal for birch tree pollen - a major hay fever trigger.

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So an ideal Sunday would definitely start on the early side.

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He says that as well as an unfavourable climate, the local soil is not ideal for apple trees and the trees get attacked by termites.

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There is a particular reason Molby believes Frank will be the ideal fit for Spurs.

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Related 51�Թ�s

excellent��
fitting��
optimal��
quintessential��

ideaistic ideal crystal

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